Community-based river tourism development to enhance community empowerment in Serang City

Community-Based Tourism (CBT) offers a strategic pathway for sustainable destination development, especially in areas rich in natural and cultural resources. Serang City, with its river potential, presents opportunities for inclusive tourism that emphasizes community empowerment. This study explores the dynamics of river tourism development through a qualitative approach informed by Giddens’ structuration theory, using policy review, observation, and interviews with key actors. Findings indicate that communities act not only as policy recipients but as reflective agents reproducing cultural values and social structures into adaptive tourism practices. Collaboration between communities, government, and the private sector is crucial to balance conservation, economic growth, and local identity. The study recommends enhancing human resource capacity and integrating digital technology to strengthen sustainable river tourism.